-Continental breakfast will be provided- 

Most people would agree that, within society, behavior and actions are tied to one's knowledge, beliefs, and values. Yet decisions are often based not on what we consciously know and believe but rather on hidden motivations driven by unconscious biases. Even in cases when decision-makers feel confident about their reasoning and conclusions, implicit bias and cognitive dissonance may cause critical errors in judgment that adversely impact the lives of others. For instance, decisions may be made that deny people of color equitable access to quality health care, education, fair housing, employment, and economic opportunity as well as equal and fair treatment within the criminal justice system.
This workshop presents past and present racial history to illustrate how racial biases were constructed, introduced, and cultivated throughout society, institutionally and structurally; examines the relationship that cognitive dissonance has with the belief of misinformation; and explores the perpetuation of racial stereotypes and inequity. An African-American perspective is used as a model to increase knowledge and awareness. Participants are challenged to identify their own biases and dissonance, laying the groundwork for courageous transformational dialogue to stimulate awareness, racial healing, radical inclusion, and equitable opportunities for all.

Learning outcomes:
• Increase awareness of implicit biases and how they negatively impact people of color.
• Gain deeper insight of how cognitive dissonance influences behavior.
• Strengthen participants’ efforts of dialogue and action as racial justice advocates.
• Develop greater appreciation of historical contributions made by people of color.

Join us in our commitment to support and sustain diversity and equity at the SSW and UW by:
•             Confronting individual bias and racism
•             Transforming institutional policies and practices
•             Accelerating systemic change

Please contact me if you have questions or want to discuss the activities outlined above.
Wishing each of you a dynamic and productive school year!

Margaret Spearmon, PhD
Chief Officer of Community Engagement and Diversity

RSVP to Mary Kaiser at mbkt@uw.edu with your attendance date.